Author: Loyd Harp

With Christmas being right around the corner, you know what time it is! It’s time for our annual Christmas-oriented Song of the Day entry. With a plethora of punk, indie, and even metal Christmas tunes (seriously, there’s way more than you might expect!) to choose from, it can be a daunting task. I like to choose tunes that are thoughtful, yet playful. Fun, yet reverent. I can’t think of a Christmas tune that fits that description much better than the ska/pop-punk stylings of Flight 180’s “O Come All Ye Faithful” (incidentally also my favorite Christmas song).… Continued →

This is a very unusual release, and I mean that in the best way possible. If you don’t know, Hrada is the brainchild of Peter Espevoll, formerly of Extol. So Hrada sounds like Extol, right? Not at all. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Well, kind of. Do we have excellent instrumentation, exquisite arrangements, and segues that make your head spin a little? Sure. The two projects have that in common. On Mirrorland, there are also themes of faith, doubt, and some very deep questions and societal critiques that wouldn’t be too out of place on an Extol album.… Continued →

After vocalist Bill Walden left 4th Watch in 1987, he had no plans to pursue any other music. (For context, the recognizable crooner had also been the early singer for Undercover.) So, when The Mirrors (formerly Malcolm & the Mirrors) came asking Bill to join them, and then asked again, he was reluctant and uninterested. However, providence prevailed and it turned out to be a great move both for the band and for Walden himself. The band was definitely on the ministry side of things. In fact, three of the band members became pastors.… Continued →

J.C. Crew was a hip-hop trio that was a one-and-done situation. They released Serious Bizness on Pakaderm/Word (with mainstream distribution through Epic) in 1991, and then more or less disappeared. Nevertheless, there are a few notable things about the project. The album features a danceable, funky style of hip-hop that was common at the time, meant to rock the party. However, the rapping was actually quite good too. One of the members, Maximillian later released album Deeper than Most through N-Soul in 1997, after a season with T-Bone’s Organized Rhyme Crew.… Continued →

Doulos – Birth Pains This band was my big surprise hit at Audiofeed Festival last summer. Sure, I’d heard the name for several years and probably sampled a track or two online, but I’d never fully experienced the band until that live set in a hot tent in July. They blew me away with their energy and riffs galore. Lots of tempo changes, fast parts, mosh parts, exactly as hardcore should be! And so, while I was excited to review this album, my excitement also come with some degree of trepidation.… Continued →

Elgibbor began as a solo project of Jarek (AKA “Fire,” also of Fire Throne) from Poland in 1999. Other band members have come and gone, and Jarek has since relocated to the United States. The outfit is incredibly prolific, having released 15 full-length albums since its inception, not to mention singles, EPs and other releases. The band’s name is taken from a Hebrew name for God, meaning “God Almighty.” An interesting approach is taken by the band in that each album features a slightly different take on the black metal genre.… Continued →

I wasn’t sure what to make of this band the first time I heard them. It was heavy, metallic hardcore, created in the era just before full-blown metalcore had become a thing. And the vocals were unlike anything I’d ever heard in hardcore before. The band hailed from Riverside, CA and were only active for a couple of years in the late 90s. They released a pair of demos, before releasing a devastating 4-song EP for fledgling Solid State Records, then-brand new sub-label of Tooth & Nail focusing exclusively on hardcore and metal.… Continued →

Gable Price, frontman of the band Gable Price and Friends is featured this week on The Rumors Are True podcast. Known for blending introspective lyrics with a bold, genre-defying sound, Gable dives into the stories behind his music, the journey of starting a band, and the unexpected moments that have shaped his career. The band is known for blending rock, indie, and alternative sounds with lyrical depth that often explores faith, personal reflection, and life’s complexities. Fronted by Gable Price, the group has gained attention for their energetic style, introspective lyrics, and unique approach to discussing themes of spirituality without being overly preachy.… Continued →

This folk/alternative/roots supergroup emerged in the early 90s as prominent members of four huge Christian bands came together in a new way altogether. Michael Roe of the Seventy Sevens, Terry Scott Taylor of Daniel Amos, Gene Eugene of Adam Again, and Derri Daugherty of the Choir joined their songwriting, playing, and singing skills and released the brilliant debut Scenic Routes in 1992. The album was an amalgamation of all things Americana: folk, country, gospel, bluegrass, blues, and rock and roll all coming together with an alternative tinge.… Continued →

‘Imisi is a reggae duo spearheaded by brothers David Fohe and Jubilee Fohe. They play in the pop-reggae or “lovers rock” style, but with a worshipful emphasis on the love of God. Imisi’s music was first brought to a wider audience through Mark Mohr’s (of Christafari) label Lion of Zion Entertainment, who released a pair of albums in 2003 and 2006, respectively. They seem to have been active up until at least 2023, releasing more albums–mostly digitally–through their websites at ReverbNation and BigCartel. “God is Love” comes from the 2013 project Riddimtion Project Vol 1 of which I can barely find any info at all.… Continued →

AP2 was the continuation of, or the evolution of the forerunner Argyle Park. The first incarnation of the band recorded one album, Misguided, for R.E.X. Music in 1994, performed only one live performance at Cornerstone Festival in 1995, then broke up shortly after amidst a plethora of controversy in Christian music circles. The bulk of the controversy involved the band not being positive enough or evangelistic enough. While the bands’ members were all known by pseudonymous aliases, it is fairly well-known that the creative forces behind the project were Scott Albert (AKA Dred and Deathwish) of Circle of Dust/Celldweller and childhood friend Chris Martello (AKA Buka), who at the time worked for MTV Sports and was responsible for getting lots of Christian alternative/punk/hardcore bands into MTV programming.… Continued →

One of Christian metal’s most prominent acts during the genre’s Golden Period (roughly 1986-1992), Barren Cross rocked a traditional heavy metal sound, managing to stay both heavy and melodic without ever succumbing to glam on the one hand, or thrash on the other. The band released 4 full-length studio albums, a live album and a handful of singles & EPs before calling it quits in the mid-90s. A pair of compilations appeared in 2007 and 2014, respectively. Members (especially vocalist Mike Lee) have been active in a number of other projects including Barebones, Michael D.R.I.V.E.,… Continued →

Charity Empressa is essentially a solo project of Eric Campuzano (The Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, Stranger Kings, ex-Starflyer 59, Cush) with a revolving cast of support and collaborators. While the list of those giving input is lengthy, among them are Troy Daughtery (Hoi Polloi, Duraluxe), Wayne Everett (Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, ex-Starflyer 59, solo), Frank Lenz (Fold Zandura, solo, ex-Starflyer 59), Andrew Prickett (Prayer Chain, My Brother’s Mother), Herb Grimaud (the violet burning, Raspberry Jam, Stranger Kings), Josh Hagquist (ex-Dogwood, The Beautiful Mistake), and many others.… Continued →

Straight-edge hardcore band Subsist came to us from central Illinois. The band contained believers, but never set out to preach. Their lyrics focused more on the straight edge lifestyle (i.e., abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and indiscriminate sex), rather than a Gospel presentation. They released an EP (Lessons in Brokeness) for Pennsylvania-based Akeldama Records in 1998, and then a full-length (The Rhythm Method), which the band released themselves in 2000. The band showed significant growth in their songwriting and technical prowess between the two releases.… Continued →

Wisconsin: most known for cheese curds, dairy farms, glacial lakes, and the Green Bay Packers. It’s also home to pop-punk band Alakrity (nowadays known as At the Wayside). We’re digging deep into the band’s archive for this track. “For the Good of Getting Better” comes from their debut release, 2007’s You Are Here EP. The track features sugary-sweet melodies and fast tempos, the two main hallmarks of the genre. The song also features some really cool vocal harmonies and lots of start-stop rhythms and tempo changes.… Continued →

One of the finest acts of the Jesus Music era, The Crimson Bridge formed in 1970. While the origins of the band were in the Gospel vocal group The Spurrlows, The Crimson Bridge’s sounds and influences were much more diverse. Sure they dabbled in the typical folk music sounds of the Jesus Movement, but they also added jazz-funk, prog rock, and psychedelic rock on their debut (and only) album, eponymously titled and released in 1972 on then-fledgling Myrrh Records. “Comin'” is the third track on the album and focuses on the return of Jesus.… Continued →

Brilliant alternative rock band Model Engine (formerly Black Eyed Sceva) have posted a ‘new’ song recently. “Soapbox” was recorded in the late 90s as a possible addition to The Lean Years Tradition, or to be included on the follow-up album that never happened. The song showcases everything that was great about the band: rootsy, alternative, progressive, earthy, it’s all there. You can read the whole story about the rediscovery of the song on the band’s Bandcamp page, and also download the song for a mere 50 cents!… Continued →

This beast of a tune dropped in 2017, from Melech, a side-project of two members of Pantokrator (with Ricke Gustafsson handling all instruments and Karl Walfridsson on vocals and lyrics). The Swedish melodeath duo tread similar waters as their counterparts, but emphasize the melodic aspects of death metal even more strongly. I’m highlighting the English lyric version of the song here, but there is also a Swedish version. “Befriare” is Swedish for “liberator” and refers to the freedom Jesus won through his atoning sacrifice and resurrection from the dead, and yet also points to the hope of future resurrection for all who die in the Lord.… Continued →

Shamash is one of the few (only?) Christian metal bands from Malaysia. Vocalist/guitarist Andre Chiang has a lengthy history with Christian metal going back to the late 90s with thrash/death metal band Necromanicide, and more recently as a member of the transcontinental act Vultures Gathering. Distinct from those bands, Shamash plays in a hybrid style fusing elements of metalcore, death metal, and black metal to interesting and effective results. “Not by My Heart” opens the album with a mix of metalcore and melodic death metal with some blackened vocals on the verses.… Continued →

Our friends over at The Rumors Are True podcast have reached an amazing marker of 100 episodes! To celebrate the milestone, founder Jeremy Alan Gould chose guitarist Jeff Schroeder for conversation. Jeff’s dense pedigree includes Christian indie projects like Lassie Foundation and the violet burning, as well as mainstream heavyweights Smashing Pumpkins. They discuss the differences and similarities in working in such vastly different projects, while Schroeder reflects on his current and perspective on the current state of the music scene. Click the link below to listen: The Rumors Are True 100th episode featuring Jeff Schroeder… Continued →

This industrial/rock/metal band has been making music since 1996 and has created a slew of albums with varying degrees of electronic elements in their sound. Some albums have had an inclination towards straight industrial, whereas others more hard rock/alternative metal. “So Inspired” is from the band’s early era, dating to 1998 and was included on a number of compilations from both Blacklight Records and Flaming Fish Music. There are a couple of different versions of the song available. This version is taken from the I Wear the Mask album.… Continued →

The “Christian Metal Group” (aptly named) on Facebook is one of the largest social media groups dedicated to the promotion and discussion of Christian heavy metal. The page is taking its support to a new level by sponsoring its first compilation. Full track list was announced this morning, and the compilation (vol. 1) drops next Saturday, September 14th. For more information, check out the page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564859173268 1. Scapegoat – Stand Your Ground 2. Testimony Of Apocalypse – The Time Has Come 3. Every Thought Captive – Punishment 4.… Continued →

Indiana’s favorite blackened death metal band, Symphony of Heaven, have released a new single, and now a new video to accompany it. Both the song and the video are incredible. Check it out here!… Continued →

The Christian indie scene suffered a great loss last week, losing notable drummer Geoff Riley, known best for his immaculate time-keeping skills in the band Puller. The band was formed by Mike Lewis (ex-For Love Not Lisa, secular grunge/post-hardcore band), and hailed from Oklahoma. Mike posted the news of Geoff’s death, and some very poignant thoughts about Riley’s life and artistic contributions to the independent music scene via Instagram. Because it can’t really be said any better than this, I’m linking the post and including the entire text here: Geoff Riley Instagram Announcement “Hearing the news of my friend and music partner Geoff Riley passing is an overwhelming devastating loss.… Continued →

Breakaway is a one-man oi/punk band from south Texas. In fact, all guitars, bass, “beats” (does this mean a drum machine?) and vocals on Warrior are handled by David Burke. The EP is produced by Breakaway as well, which I assume means Burke again. While this is impressive in many ways, it can also be limiting. We’ll come back to that as a recurring theme on this EP. The tempos, for the most part, are fast and furious, and yet there is a rock and roll undertone to the sounds.… Continued →

Indiana-based melodic blackened death metal band Symphony of Heaven is preparing to release their third album, Ordo Aurum Archeia. The band promises dynamic songs and will feature guest appearances from Hinayana’s Casey Hurd and Pantokrator’s Karl Walfriddsson. Mixed and mastered by Kevin Butler at Test Tube Audio, the album is ferocious and unrelenting. Inspired by Dimmu Borgir, Hypocrisy, and Wolfheart, the album delivers six new tracks from nearly every member the band has ever housed. With the core lineup of vocalist / guitarist Pathøs, bassist Turadh, and drummer Asaph, this release marks the first album the band has released independently.… Continued →

The Christian punk/indie/whatever scene isn’t limited to the United States. I can think of relevant bands from literally every inhabited continent, which is a truly wonderful thing. Punk band Homonovux call Mexico home, specifically the Yucatan region. They’ve released two EPs since forming a few years ago. Their musical inspiration comes primarily from 90s punk rock (new school punk, skate punk, and a little bit of pop-punk too), but their lyrical inspiration is the message of salvation. This point is made very clear on their Bandcamp page (https://homonovux.bandcamp.com/… Continued →

Alternative/folk/pop duo Say-So comprised married couple Jim and Kim Thomas. They had actually been making music together for over a decade when their eponymous debut was released in 1997 for Organic Records. The album featured a fresh take on folksy, rootsy, alternative pop-rock that was ‘light’ enough to appeal to fans of CCM, yet unconventional enough to appeal to listeners with more alternative-leaning tastes. The band’s sound sat comfortably with artists like Sixpence None the Richer (especially their earlier material), Rich Young Ruler, and Five O’Clock People.… Continued →

Audiofeed band submissions are now open for 2025. Ever dreamed about playing Audiofeed to a bigger and broader crowd than your local shows? Here’s your chance! Bands and artists can apply here: Audio Band Submissions… Continued →

Indie pop duo Bon Voyage was a collaboration of Jason Martin (Starflyer 59, and about a dozen others) and his wife Julie on vocals. The project was somewhat accurately described as “Starflyer with female vocals,” which is not inaccurate though not really complete either. Whereas SF59 added layers and layers of guitars and fuzz, Bon Voyage stripped things back to the pop essentials. Julie’s vocals are akin to Julee Cruise, most famous for her work on the Twin Peaks soundtracks. The band released three albums for BEC and/or Tooth and Nail, and we haven’t heard from them since 2008.… Continued →